What is wrong if the sink backs up every time I use the garbage disposal?

Answer by  philosophy (243)

You probably have a clog somewhere... my guess is that the clog is right after the garbage disposal. You might have to remove the disposal, and clean out the drain pipe right after that. A small hand snake will probably be enough to get the drain really clean.

Answer by  Laura14 (51)

You must have a clog in the garbage disposal or the drain pipe. See if you can pull anything out by hand, if not, then you could try to plunge the drain to the garbage disposal. If you have a double sink, seal the other drain or have someone block it closed with a towel.

Answer by  Toddthe (63)

When you use the disposer it forces the water out faster than normal. If the drain for both sinks is partially clogged the water from the diposer comes into the tee faster than it can go down so it backs up into the other sink. Check the U trap below.

Answer by  Paintballer90210 (56)

If your sink only backs up after you use the garbage disposal, the problem might be with the garbage disposal. It might be leaving some stuff in there, clogging it.